
Willie Norwood is an American gospel singer, songwriter, and vocal coach. He is the father of Brandy Rayana Norwood known as Brandy. Willie’s daughter Brandy is a singer, songwriter, actress, and model. She goes by the nickname “the Vocal Bible”. She is known for her vocal styling which has had a significant impact on the music industry, most notably with contemporary R&B, pop, and gospel genres. She has made an impact in the film and television industry as well. Willie is also the father of singer, actor, and television personality Ray J.
Willie Norwood: Bio Summary
Name | Willie Norwood |
Date of birth | November 30, 1955 |
Place of birth | Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. |
Famous as | father of Ray J and Brandy Norwood, singer, vocal coach |
Gender | Male |
Marital status | Married |
Spouse | Sonja Norwood |
Children | Ray J and Brandy Norwood |
Occupation | Singer, songwriter, record producer, vocal coach, and entrepreneur |
How Old Is Willie Norwood?
Willie Norwood was born on November 30, 1955. He will turn the age of 68 in 2023, on November 30. He was born Willie Ray Norwood in Cleveland, Ohio, U.S. Information about his parents, siblings, and other relatives is not available at the moment.
What Does Willie Norwood Do?
Willie Norwood is a singer, songwriter, record producer, vocal coach, and entrepreneur. He started his career in the music industry on a band scholarship at Jackson State University. Becoming the lead vocalist and trumpeter, he became a member of a soul music group called The Composers in the 1970s.
The group had little but a loyal following playing the Mississippi club scene. Eventually, they were the opening act for Rufus & Chaka Khan and Lou Rawls as well. Willie and the group decided to move to Hollywood, which they did. In Hollywood, they were able to attract more attention. After spending a few years in Hollywood, Willie and his wife Sonja Norwood decided to move back to McComb, Mississippi.
Willie Norwood and his companion Sonja Norwood chose to focus on their family. They moved to California two years later when Willie accepted a position as minister of music for a church that used only a capella singing. He worked with local community choirs in Los Angeles. To pursue studies in music, Willie enrolled in California State University Northridge.
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According to Willie Norwood, returning to California “was instrumental in helping our family succeed for the second time.” He added that: “My work with choirs allowed me to enhance Brandy and Ray J’s musical talent and interest along with many other singers in South-Central Los Angeles.”
Willie Norwood has traveled and coached singers nationwide and internationally, including the Bermuda Islands. His commercial debut happened after he assisted Brandy to put her Never-Say-Never World Tour together. Under Atlantic Records, Willie dropped the album, Bout It, which received a Dove Award nomination and peaked at Number 13 on the Billboard Gospel Chart.
The album, Bout It featured artists including his children Brandy and Ray J(Background vocals on Bout It), Kirk Whalum (Saxophone for I’ll Trade A Lifetime), Billy Preston (Vocals for I’ll Trade A Lifetime & Bout It), The William Brothers (Wrote & produces the title track & The Search is Over), and Angie Winans (Lyricists for A Love Shared).
Willie Norwood released his second album, titled I Believe, on May 22, 2006, under a new label, KnockOut Entertainment. Willie said: “This album is best defined as A cappella Southern gospel music. With 12 songs, I released my version of old church songs.” Willie and his wife Sonja appeared in Brandy & Ray J: A Family Business.
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A compilation album, A Family Business, was released on June 19, 2011, to accompany the series. Willie said: “Inspired by my daughter and son’s reality series, we made a compilation album. It features unreleased songs from me, my wife Sonja, and my children. Brandy’s daughter Sy’rai, her half-sister Rain Smith, and fellow singer Tasha Scott contributed to the album.”
He added: “We worked with several producers like Big Bert, Clinton Sparks, and The Jam. The Washington Post called the album an “awkward and adorable and really, really wholesome collection.” Furthermore, Willie Norwood released an album titled Merry Christmas, a three-track EP featuring a duet with Ray J. He helped Brandy as a vocal coach for her seventh studio album, B7 in 2020.
Is Willie Norwood Still Married?

Willie Norwood has been married to Sonja Norwood (née Bates) since September 3, 1976. Sonja was a district manager for H&R Block. She is the CEO of The Bizness and Norwood & Norwood Inc. Willie and his wife Sonja are the parents of Brandy Rayana Norwood (February 11, 1979) and William Ray Norwood Jr. (January 17, 1981). Besides Brandy and Ray J, Willie has 3 older children from previous relationships.
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Brandy Rayana Norwood known as Brandy is a singer-songwriter, actress, businesswoman, and model. William Ray Norwood Jr. known as Ray J is a singer, songwriter, actor, television personality, and entrepreneur. Willie, his wife Sonja, and children Brandy, and Ray J started The Norwood Kids Foundation, which helps disadvantaged, at-risk youths in Los Angeles and Mississippi through the arts and self-help programs.
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